WHO: DOH began dengue immunization prior our advice
In a statement released December 5, WHO emphasized that the decision to roll out the vaccine had been taken by the Department of Health before WHO’s advice became available. AFP/File
MANILA, Philippines — The World Health Organization denied making recommendation to use Dengvaxia, the world’s first dengue vaccine, for the country’s immunization program.
In a statement released December 5, WHO emphasized that the decision to roll out the vaccine had been taken by the Department of Health before WHO’s advice became available.
“The WHO position paper did not include a recommendation to countries to introduce the dengue vaccine into their national immunization programs.Rather, WHO outlined a series of considerations national governments should take into account in deciding whether to introduce the vaccine, based on a review of available data at the time, along with possible risks,” the organization said.
According to WHO, the vaccine must be only be used in areas where at least 70 percent of the community had already been exposed to the virus and must be given to people 9 years of age and above. The people being vaccinated should receive three doses.
WHO noted that the Philippines met these conditions in April 2016—the same month DOH under the leadership of former secretary Janette Garin began immunizing Grade 4 students in Regions III and IV-A and the National Capital Region.
On April 18, 2016, WHO’s Strategic Group of Experts advised the administration of Dengvaxia.
READ: DOH suspends dengue immunization program over potential health risk
The organization said it supports DOH’s move to place the dengue vaccination program on hold.
“As always, we stand ready to work with the DOH to provide information to affected families, and to support the DOH’s deliberations on the future of the dengue vaccination programme,” WHO said.
Sanofi Pasteur, the manufacturer of dengue vaccine Dengvaxia, on November 29, revealed that the vaccine poses risks to those who were not infected by dengue virus before.
Sanofi and the government allayed the fears of the public. According to Sanofi medical director Ruby Dizon, there has been no reported death related to the dengue vaccination.
The Food and Drug Administration on Monday ordered to stop the sale and distribution of Dengvaxia and the withdrawal of stocks.
Over 700,000 individuals received at least one dose of the vaccine. Those at risk are some 70,000 children who were vaccinated.
READ: FDA stops sale of Dengvaxia, orders withdrawal from market
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